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A Family Weekend Getaway to Pigeon Forge: What to Do and See

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Have you ever wanted to plan a weekend trip that feels exciting, relaxing, and fun for the whole family? Finding the right place that everyone will love can be a challenge. That is why Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, has become such a popular choice for family vacations. Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, this lively town is filled with attractions, shows, outdoor adventures, and great places to eat. Whether you have young kids, teens, or adults in your group, there is always something interesting to experience here.

In this blog, we will share everything you need to know about planning a perfect family weekend getaway to Pigeon Forge, including top attractions, family-friendly activities, and hidden gems you should not miss.

Explore The Island in Pigeon Forge

The Island in Pigeon Forge is one of the most popular places for families to visit. It is a fun shopping and entertainment complex that offers something for everyone. You can ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel that gives you a breathtaking view of the mountains. Kids love the arcade and interactive fountain, while parents enjoy the many shops and boutiques. There are also tons of snack spots where you can grab a sweet treat or a cup of coffee.

In the evening, the Island lights up beautifully. Families can relax and watch the fountain show, which is set to music and lights. It is a peaceful yet entertaining way to wind down after a day of exploring. Plus, the Island has many casual dining spots perfect for a family meal. You could easily spend a few hours here without getting bored. It is also a great spot if you just want to sit back and enjoy the atmosphere.

Find Fun Attractions and Things to Do

Pigeon Forge is packed with fun attractions and activities that make any family trip unforgettable. When looking for things to do in Pigeon Forge TN, you will quickly realize there is no shortage of options. From mini golf and go-karts to museums and animal encounters, the choices are endless. 

One show you should not miss is the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show. It is a lively and exciting experience that mixes acrobatics, live animals, sword fights, and delicious food all in one evening. The show is family-friendly and filled with action and comedy, making it a hit for visitors of all ages. You will enjoy a full four-course meal while you watch the story unfold. It is a truly memorable night for families visiting Pigeon Forge.

Visit the Titanic Museum Attraction

Step back in time and experience a piece of history at the Titanic Museum Attraction. This is not just any museum—it is a fully immersive experience where you can walk the grand staircase and hear real passenger stories. When you enter, you receive a boarding pass with the name of an actual Titanic passenger, which adds a personal touch to the visit. It is educational and emotional without being too heavy for younger kids.

The museum is beautifully designed to make you feel like you are actually aboard the famous ship. Families will find interactive exhibits that keep children engaged while adults can dive deeper into the history. From viewing authentic artifacts to feeling the chilly waters that passengers experienced, every detail brings the story to life. It is a great balance of fun and learning, making it a perfect stop on your weekend adventure.

Take a Scenic Drive Through the Smoky Mountains

If your family enjoys beautiful landscapes, taking a scenic drive through the Smoky Mountains is a must. Pigeon Forge is close to some of the most stunning parts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One of the best routes is the Cades Cove Loop – this is an eleven mile one-way road that is full of wildlife, historic buildings, and mountain views. It is a calm and peaceful escape from the busier parts of town.

Pack a picnic, bring your camera, and take your time exploring the stops along the way. Kids often get excited spotting deer, wild turkeys, and even black bears from the car. There are plenty of pull-offs where you can stop and enjoy a short hike or just soak in the scenery. It is an affordable and simple way to add a bit of nature to your family weekend.

Walk and Play at Patriot Park

Patriot Park is a great place to relax after a busy day exploring. This peaceful park is located right by the Old Mill Square and offers wide open spaces for kids to run around and play. There is a walking path that is flat and easy to navigate, making it perfect for strollers or little ones who get tired easily. Along the path, you will find flags from all 50 states and memorials honoring veterans.

Families often bring a picnic to enjoy by the river. The park is also home to several seasonal events and festivals, especially around the Fourth of July and Christmas. It is a simple, budget-friendly stop that lets kids burn off some energy while adults enjoy a slower pace. If you want to combine a park visit with some shopping or a meal, the Old Mill area is just a short walk away.

End Your Day with a Sweet Treat

After a full day of exploring, it is time to treat yourself. Pigeon Forge is home to some amazing dessert spots that the whole family will love. Head to places like Mad Dog’s Creamery, where you can find homemade ice cream, funnel cakes, and donuts all in one place. The colorful decor and playful atmosphere make it a hit with kids and adults alike.

Another favorite stop is the Chocolate Monkey, known for its fudge, caramel apples, and chocolate-dipped everything. It is the perfect way to end a busy day on a sweet note. Take your desserts to go and enjoy them back at your hotel, or find a bench and soak up the evening vibes of Pigeon Forge. No matter what you choose, finishing the night with a special treat is a memory your family will always cherish.

In conclusion, a family weekend getaway to Pigeon Forge offers the perfect mix of excitement, relaxation, and quality time together. With so many activities, beautiful views, and welcoming spots, it is easy to create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you are racing go-karts, watching a pirate battle, or savoring a homemade fudge, every moment feels special.

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How to Make Family Travel More Fun and Less Stressful

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Branson, Missouri, is one of the best places to create unforgettable family memories. From live entertainment to outdoor adventures, the town offers something for visitors of all ages. It’s a favorite destination for families looking for a mix of fun, relaxation, and quality time together. But even with so much to look forward to, traveling with family can bring a few challenges along the way.

Managing different schedules, interests, and energy levels takes a bit of planning. Long drives, busy days, and unexpected changes can sometimes turn an exciting trip into a stressful one. The good news is that with a little preparation, it’s easy to keep your vacation fun and running smoothly.

This article covers simple tips to help you make family travel more enjoyable and less overwhelming. Whether you’re visiting the attractions downtown or exploring the scenic Ozark Mountains, these ideas can help you focus more on making memories and less on managing problems.

Plan Activities Everyone Will Love

One of the best ways to avoid stress during family travel is by picking activities that everyone can enjoy. It’s not always easy to find things that entertain both young kids and adults, but it is worth the effort. A little research before your trip can save a lot of headaches later.

If you are looking for a place packed with fun options, there are plenty of things to do with family in Branson MO. The city is well-known for family-friendly attractions that cater to all ages. You’ll find outdoor adventures, live shows, and museums that make planning a full day easy.

One standout activity in Branson is Dolly Parton’s Stampede. This popular dinner attraction combines live entertainment with a hearty four-course meal. Guests can watch impressive horse riding stunts, enjoy lively music, and even see a bit of friendly competition. The menu includes classics like rotisserie chicken, hickory-smoked pulled pork, creamy vegetable soup, and a signature dessert. It’s a great way for families to have fun together without worrying about picky eaters or complicated logistics. Plus, the excitement of the show keeps kids engaged throughout the meal, which makes the evening feel like a true event.

Choosing activities like this — where food, fun, and entertainment come together — helps reduce the need to plan multiple stops. It keeps everyone entertained and cuts down on the usual complaints about being bored or hungry.

Mixing structured activities with a few open-ended options is smart, too. Allowing some flexibility during your trip gives everyone time to relax and explore at their own pace. This balance between planned fun and free time can make the trip feel smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Keep Travel Days Simple

Travel days are often the most stressful part of a family vacation. Between flights, long drives, and hotel check-ins, there’s a lot happening at once. Trying to cram too much into travel days usually leads to tired kids, cranky adults, and frayed nerves.

The best approach is to keep these days simple. Try to limit activities right after a major travel leg. Instead of racing to see attractions the minute you arrive, plan for some downtime. A casual dinner, a walk around the hotel, or a visit to a nearby park is enough to help everyone unwind.

It also helps to keep schedules loose. Give yourself extra time for delays or unexpected stops. Little things like traffic, late flights, or missed exits are easier to handle when you’re not rushing to meet a strict schedule.

Keeping travel days light and flexible helps set the right tone for the entire trip.

Pack Smart, Pack Light

One of the quickest ways to add stress to a family trip is by overpacking. Lugging heavy bags around airports, hotels, or crowded streets can make even a short trip feel overwhelming. Packing light doesn’t mean going without the essentials. It means choosing items carefully so you have what you need without the extra weight.

Start by making a list for each family member. Focus on clothing that can be mixed and matched easily. Picking a few basic colors and styles helps cut down on the number of outfits needed. Shoes are another item that often gets overpacked. Aim for one pair of comfortable walking shoes and one pair for special occasions if needed.

Packing cubes can help organize clothes and save space in your bags. They also make it easier to find what you need without digging through everything. Giving each child a small backpack with their personal items like snacks, books, or a tablet can keep them entertained and cut down on how much you need to carry.

Keep important items easy to reach. Things like medications, chargers, travel documents, and a few snacks should be placed where they are easy to grab during the trip. A small bag that fits under the seat or stays with you in the car works well for this.

By packing smarter, you spend less time worrying about luggage and more time enjoying your trip.

Make Time for Rest and Flexibility

Packing a schedule too full of activities is a common mistake during family trips. While it’s tempting to try and see everything, moving from one thing to the next without a break can leave everyone feeling worn out.

Building in regular rest time helps balance the trip. Even a short break in the middle of the day can recharge kids and adults alike. Quiet time at the hotel, a casual lunch, or even an hour at a park can make a big difference in energy levels.

Flexibility is another important piece. Sometimes the weather changes. Sometimes kids just want to swim at the hotel pool instead of visiting another museum. Being able to adjust plans without stress makes the trip more enjoyable for everyone.

Leave space in your schedule for spontaneous moments. Some of the best memories come from the unexpected parts of travel, like stumbling across a local festival or finding a hidden trail with a beautiful view.

Planning with flexibility in mind keeps stress levels low and helps the family enjoy the trip without feeling rushed or pressured.

Family trips can be some of the best times you spend together. A little thoughtful planning, some smart packing, and a flexible mindset can make those trips more fun and far less stressful.

It’s not about checking every attraction off a list. It’s about sharing moments, laughing at the small things, and creating memories that will stick long after the trip is over.

With a few simple steps, your next family adventure can be smooth, relaxed, and full of the kind of experiences you’ll all treasure.

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How to Make Your Pigeon Forge Vacation Fun for All Ages

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Have you ever tried planning a vacation where a toddler, a teenager, and two tired adults are all supposed to have the time of their lives? It’s like trying to host a party for people who love disco, country music, and death metal—all in one night.

Family vacations can feel like a lot of pressure. You want something that’s exciting but not exhausting, relaxing but not boring, kid-friendly but still enjoyable for adults. It’s a balancing act that leaves many parents questioning why they ever left the house in the first place.

That’s why places like Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, are pure gold for families. It’s one of the few destinations where you don’t have to choose between fun for the kids and fun for the grown-ups. Here, every generation can find something to love without it feeling like a compromise.

In this blog, we will share how you can make your Pigeon Forge vacation fun, memorable, and stress-free for travelers of all ages.

Activities That Appeal to Both Kids and Adults

The key to a good family trip is finding activities that engage everyone without anyone secretly wishing they were somewhere else. Luckily, Pigeon Forge knows exactly how to deliver that kind of balance.

For families who love the outdoors, the nearby Great Smoky Mountains offer endless possibilities. Short, beautiful hikes are perfect for younger kids and first-time explorers. One great option is Abrams Falls Trail, known for its manageable distance and stunning waterfall reward at the end. It’s just challenging enough to feel like an adventure but not so tough that you’ll need a recovery day afterward. Plus, the waterfall is a natural crowd-pleaser, making it a perfect spot for photos and a snack break.

Outdoor time has taken on a new importance lately. After years of too much screen time and too few real-world experiences, families are hungry for something genuine. Getting out into nature, breathing mountain air, and letting kids scramble over rocks is more than just good exercise. It’s a way to reconnect—with the world, and with each other.

If hiking isn’t your group’s idea of fun, Pigeon Forge offers a ton of low-key outdoor options too. You can stroll through Patriot Park, ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at The Island, or simply relax by the Little Pigeon River and let the kids burn off some energy.

Finding the Right Place to Stay

Where you stay can make or break a family vacation. You need space to spread out, places for naps and downtime, and easy access to the attractions you plan to visit. Luckily, Pigeon Forge offers every kind of accommodation you can think of, but nothing beats renting a cabin.

Instead of getting lost in endless booking sites, one smart move is to check out Visit My Smokies. It’s a great resource that highlights family-approved lodging options and makes planning easier. Whether you’re looking for a cabin with a hot tub, a pet-friendly rental, or a resort with a pool, you’ll find something that fits your family’s vibe.

Choosing a good place to stay isn’t just about comfort. It’s about creating a home base where everyone can recharge. After all, the best adventures start with a good night’s sleep and a breakfast that doesn’t come out of a vending machine.

Entertainment That Hits the Sweet Spot

Family entertainment often leans too far in one direction. It’s either aimed squarely at kids, leaving parents bored out of their minds, or it’s too “adult” and drags the kids along for the ride. Pigeon Forge somehow threads the needle.

Shows are a huge part of the magic here. From musical performances to comedy acts, there’s something happening every night of the week. Better yet, most shows are packed with enough humor, heart, and high-energy stunts to keep even restless little ones entertained.

Dinner shows are the true parenting hack of Pigeon Forge. Instead of rushing through a restaurant meal to get to a show, you can enjoy both at once. There’s nothing better than sitting down to a hearty meal while your kids are wide-eyed at the action on stage. It turns dinner from a necessary chore into a highlight of the day.

Museums and interactive attractions offer another level of fun. Places like the Titanic Museum Attraction allow kids to touch, play, and learn at the same time. It’s entertainment with a side of education—not that you have to tell them that part.

The best family trips are the ones where you stop needing to “entertain” the kids because they’re already having a blast. In Pigeon Forge, the town itself does the heavy lifting for you.

Keeping Everyone Fed (and Happy)

Food is a big part of family travel—and it can also be one of the biggest stress points if you’re not careful. Hungry kids (and adults) are not happy travelers.

The good news is that Pigeon Forge has plenty of options for every appetite. You’ll find classic Southern comfort food at almost every turn, from pancakes bigger than your plate to barbecue that will have you considering a second lunch.

Family-style dining is especially popular here. Restaurants serve up big portions meant for sharing, which is perfect when you’ve got picky eaters who want “just a little bit” of everything. And because the town caters so much to families, most places are prepared to handle the chaos of crayons, booster seats, and “can I have chicken nuggets instead?” moments without blinking an eye.

Even better, grabbing takeout and having a picnic at Patriot Park or along the river adds a relaxed vibe to mealtimes and gives kids the space to run and play afterward.

Pacing Matters: Don’t Overschedule

One of the most common mistakes families make on vacation is trying to do too much. It’s tempting. With so many things to see and do, you want to pack every minute full.

But the best Pigeon Forge vacations are the ones where you leave room for spontaneous fun. Sometimes the best memories aren’t made on a strict schedule. They happen when you stumble into a festival at The Island in Pigeon Forge or decide to take an impromptu splash in the river.

Kids, especially younger ones, do better with some breathing room. So do parents. Mixing high-energy activities with downtime helps everyone stay happy and makes the big moments feel even more special.

Aim for one big adventure a day, plus a few easygoing stops along the way. Leave space for ice cream breaks, naps, or just sitting on a porch somewhere watching the mountains glow at sunset. You won’t regret it.

Building a Trip Everyone Will Remember

At the end of the day, a successful family vacation isn’t about checking off every attraction on the list. It’s about coming home with stories, inside jokes, and a little bit of magic that sticks around long after the suitcases are unpacked.

Pigeon Forge makes that easy. It gives families a chance to slow down, laugh together, and experience something new. It’s not about perfect Instagram pictures or bragging about how much you crammed into three days. It’s about real moments—the kind where your kid falls asleep in the car clutching a stuffed bear from a souvenir shop or asks, unprompted, “Can we come back next year?”

Those are the moments that turn a good trip into a great one.

And lucky for you, in Pigeon Forge, they’re never very far away.

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THE SUNDAY TIMES RICH LIST – THIS YEAR’S LIST FEATURES TYCOONS, SPORTING LEGENDS, AND SELF-MADE SUCCESS STORIES

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GOPI HINDUJA AND FAMILY TOP THE SUNDAY TIMES RICH LIST FOR THE FOURTH SUCCESSIVE YEAR WITH WEALTH OF £35 BILLION – DESPITE LOSING £5.2 MILLION A DAY OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS

THE 37th SUNDAY TIMES RICH LIST REGISTERS THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE DROP AND THE BIGGEST FALL IN THE NUMBER  OF UK BILLIONAIRES
IN ITS HISTORY

THE 2025 LIST FEATURES THE KING, INVENTORS AND INDUSTRIALISTS, FOOTBALL CLUB OWNERS, LIVERPOOL’S RICHEST MAN, HOLLYWOOD STARS AND A COUPLE FROM SUFFOLK WHO BECAME OVERNIGHT BILLIONAIRES

SIR JIM RATCLIFFE, WHO TOPPED THE 2018 RICH LIST, SEES THE BIGGEST FALL IN HIS WEALTH, DOWN BY £6.473 BILLION TO £17 BILLION

TWO GAMING BROTHERS, IGOR AND DMITRY BUKHMAN, ARE THE BIGGEST RISERS SOARING TO £12.54 BILLION AND INTO THE TOP TEN

NEW BILLIONAIRES ALSO INCLUDE OVO FOUNDER STEPHEN FITZPATRICK, ASYLUM TYCOON GRAHAM KING, “CHICKEN KING” RANJIT BOPARAN AND HIS WIFE BALJINDER, AND HEDGE FUNDER AND FOUNDER OF SPEAKERS FOR SCHOOLS ANDREW LAW

HOTELIERS SIR ROCCO FORTE AND OLGA POLIZZI ARE THE HIGHEST RE-ENTRY THANKS TO A SAUDI DEAL WITH AN ESTIMATED FAMILY WEALTH OF £1.2 BILLION

THE KING AND FORMER PRIME MINISTER RISHI SUNAK AND HIS WIFE AKSHATA MURTY ARE JOINTLY VALUED AT £640 MILLION

DAVID AND VICTORIA BECKHAM HIT £500 MILLION

FORMER BOND PRODUCER BARBARA BROCCOLI, TV CHAT SHOW HOST ELLEN DEGENERES, THE UK’S BIGGEST CARE HOME BUILDER LAWRENCE TOMLINSON, BEAUTY QUEEN CHARLOTTE TILBURY, AND THE BROTHERS BEHIND SPORTSWEAR BRAND CASTORE MAKE THEIR DEBUT

BREWDOG FOUNDER JAMES WATT AND GEORGIA TOFFOLO, ED SHEERAN, AND ASYLUM HOTEL TYCOON ALEX LANGSAM AND THE BROTHERS BEHIND GRAND THEFT AUTO RE-ENTER THE LIST

TECH TITANS AND MEGASTARS FROM DUA LIPA TO ANTHONY JOSHUA FEATURE IN THIS YEAR’S 40 UNDER 40 LIST 

ENTRY LEVEL FOR 40 UNDER 40 ALMOST DOUBLES YEAR ON YEAR
TO £100 MILLION

SECRETIVE HEDGE FUNDERS TOP THE GIVING LIST FOR THE FIRST TIME DONATING £5.2 MILLION A WEEK TO CLIMATE CHANGE CAUSES

THE 100 MOST PHILANTHROPIC RICH LISTERS GAVE £3.7 BILLION TO CHARITY

HARRY STYLES DEBUTS ON THE GIVING LIST

Gopi Hinduja and his family are the richest people in the UK, according to this year’s edition of The Sunday Times Rich List, published today online at https://www.thetimes.com/sunday-times-rich-list and in the print edition of the newspaper on Sunday, May 18. The Hindujas’ wealth is put at £35.304 billion, down from £37 billion last year. 

The 76-page special edition of The Sunday TimesMagazine reveals the largest fall in the billionaire count in the guide’s 37-year history, from a peak of 177 in 2022 to 156 this year. The number of billionaires has dropped for three successive years – this year’s decline is the sharpest yet.  

This year’s list of 350 individuals and families together hold combined wealth of £772.8 billion — 3 per cent down on last year. Sir Elton John, Lord Lloyd-Webber, Sir Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Euan Blair, Sir Lewis Hamilton and Sir Christopher Nolan all appear in the annual survey. The combined wealth in the 37th annual edition is £772.8 billion — a sum larger than the annual GDP of Switzerland.  

The minimum entry level flatlines at £350 million — another indicator of a subdued year.  

Robert Watts, compiler of the Sunday Times Rich List, said: “The Sunday Times Rich List is changing. Our billionaire count is down and the combined wealth of those who feature in our research is falling. We are also finding fewer of the world’s super rich are coming to live in the UK.  

“This year we were also struck by the strength of criticism for Rachel Reeves’s Treasury. We expected the abolition of non-dom status would anger affluent people from overseas. But homegrown young tech entrepreneurs and those running centuries-old family firms are also warning of serious consequences to a range of tax changes unveiled in last October’s budget.  

“Our research continues to find a wide variety of self-made entrepreneurs building fortunes not just from artificial intelligence, video games and new technologies but also mundane, everyday items such as makeup, radiators and jogging bottoms. We know many of our readers find these people and their stories inspiring — especially the many who had tough starts or setbacks to their lives and careers.” 

Maintaining a pattern seen last year, numerous familiar names on the Rich List have faced significant financial setbacks. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has suffered considerable losses for a consecutive year with a £6.473 billion decline in wealth. 

The biggest fallers on this year’s list are as follows: 

  • Sir Jim Ratcliffe Founder of the petrochemicals giant Ineos that now operates 194 sites in 29 countries, the father of three resides in Monaco and has bought a stake in Manchester United (down £6.473bn to £17.046bn). 
  • Sir Leonard Blavatnik A keen philanthropist, Blavatnik’s stake in Warner Music Group has lost nearly 20 per cent of its value since February. He also owns the music service Deezer and the sports streaming outfit DAZN. Born in Ukraine, he has US and British citizenship (down £3.521bn to £25.725bn). 
  • Alex Gerko Revenues at the Moscow-born Gerko’s largest trading company fell by nearly 40 per cent in 2023. He has renounced his Russian citizenship (down by £3.31bn to £8.745bn). 

The biggest risers this year are: 

  • Igor and Dmitry Bukhman The Russian-born brothers have built a fortune from mobile games such as Gardenscapes and Fishdom. They became British citizens earlier this year. (up £6.191bn to £12.54bn)  
  • Idan Ofer The art-loving son of Sammy Ofer, who built a shipping empire after serving in the Royal Navy during the Second World War (up £5.161bn to £20.121bn)  
  • Guy, George, Alannah and Galen Weston and family  A transatlantic dynasty owns Primark and Fortnum & Mason. Other investments include Silver Spoon, Ryvita and Twinings. Shares in their Canadian business, George Weston, are up 40 per cent (up £3.253bn to £17.746bn) 

And in percentage terms, Stephen Fitzpatrick has had a very strong year, rising by 73 per cent to £3.073 billion; both founders of Revolut, Vlad Yatsenko (£1.025bn)and Nik Storonsky (£6.978bn) are top performers, as is Sir Michael Gooley, the SAS veteran who runs Trailfinders (£679m). 

There are a lot of new tech and celebrity names, especially from the worlds of TV and film. This year’s new entries include:  

  • Mark and Lindy O’Hare amassed a £1.836 billion fortune when they sold their data company to BlackRock last year. They live near Southwold and have installed a 350-seat open-air theatre in the grounds of their farmhouse from a clearing created by a Second World War bomb. 
  • Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson are valued at an estimated £450 million thanks to their deal ceding creative control of James Bond to Amazon MGM Studios. 
  • Ellen DeGeneres makes the list (£363 million) following her move to the Cotswolds in the wake of last year’s US election.  
  • Dubai property has been fruitful for James Stephens who made his first fortune in office equipment with an estimated wealth of £373m. His Bitcoin investments are worth more than £50 million. 
  • A secretive Italian fund manager, Edoardo Mercadante has built up a 7 per cent stake in Ryanair. His London-based operation Parvus manages about £4.4 billion of assets. 
  • Piotr Dabkowski and Mati Staniszewski founded ElevenLabs, a tech firm letting users turn text into human-like speech in 32 languages after watching badly dubbed American films in their native Poland. 
  • Tom and Phil Beahon, the brothers who launched Castore, their sporting brand worn by England’s rugby and cricket teams, from their parents’ home, hit the big leagues at £350 million. 
  • Charlotte Tilbury (£350 million) whose magic with a make-up brush ensured she became sought after by supermodels and Hollywood A-listers. 

https://www.thetimes.com/sunday-times-rich-list 

THE SUNDAY TIMES RICH LIST 2025 – THE 20 WEALTHIEST UK BILLIONAIRES

2025Rank Name2025 WealthSource of WealthRise/Fall2024 Wealth
1 Gopi Hinduja and family £35.304bn Investors ▼ £1.892bn £37.196bn 
2 David and Simon Reuben and family £26.873bn Landlords ▲ £1.896bn £24.977bn 
3 Sir Leonard Blavatnik £25.725bn Investor ▼£3.521bn £29.246bn 
4 Sir James Dyson and family £20.8bn Inventor ■ No change £20.8bn 
5 Idan Ofer £20.121bn Shipping tycoon ▲£5.161bn £14.960bn 
6 Guy, George, Alannah and Galen Weston and family £17.746bn Heirs and retailers ▲£3.253bn £14.493bn 
7 Sir Jim Ratcliffe £17.046bn Chemicals magnate ▼£6.473bn £23.519bn 
8 Lakshmi Mittal and family £15.444bn Steel magnate ▲£523m £14.921bn 
9 John Fredriksen and family £13.683bn Oil baron ▲£816m £12.867bn 
10 Igor and Dmitry Bukhman £12.540bn Gamers ▲£6.191bn £6.349bn 
11 Kirsten and Jorn Rausing £12.514bn Heirs ▼£120m £12.634bn 
12 Michael Platt £12.5bn Hedge funder ▲£500m £12bn 
13 Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken and Michel de Carvalho £10.090bn Brewing heir and banker ▼£1.661bn £11.751bn 
14 The Duke of Westminster and the Grosvenor family £9.884bn Property heir ▼£243m £10.127bn 
15 Lord Bamford and family £9.45bn Construction giant ▲£1.8bn £7.65bn 
16 Denise, John and Peter Coates £9.445bn Gambling ▲£1.978bn £7.467bn 
17 Carrie and François Perrodo and family £9.3bn Oil, gas and wine tycoons ▲£132m £9.168bn 
18 Barnaby and Merlin Swire and family £9.254bn Transport dynasty ▼£732m £9.986bn 
19 Marit, Lisbet, Sigrid and Hans Rausing £9.088bn Heirs ▼£100m £9.188bn 
20 Alex Gerko £8.745bn Trader ▼£3.310bn £12.055bn 

For the full 350 richest people in the UK go online at www.thetimes.com/sunday-times-rich-list 

Interview With Author and Publishing Director Phoebe Morgan

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I am excited to interview Phoebe Morgan for Frost. Phoebe is the author of fantastic thrillers while also being the publishing director of Hodder and Stoughton. I have no idea how she manages it. I also know if Phoebe has worked on a book then it is definitely worth reading. Phoebe has a new Substack, The Honest Editor, which gets into the nitty gritty of publishing. It is essential reading for all authors.

 Tell us about you.

I am a publishing director at Hodder and Stoughton, working on commercial fiction. I also write my own novels on the side! I’ve worked in the industry since 2013, and I love finding new authors to work with, as well as progressing my own creative career. It’s a juggle but I am lucky to do two jobs I love!


You have written five books. Does writing ever get easier?

I would say psychologically it does, because you know you are capable of getting to the finish line and so that can be reassuring. But it’s still a slog at times, of course, and I am not a huge plotter so I am often running into plot problems as I go and figuring it out as I go along! So each book is still a marathon, but you do feel a sense of security when you have had a couple of books out – it’s so important to push through and get a first draft down, I think, so that’s always my initial aim, and then you can go back and edit afterwards (which is the fun part!)

Do you have a favourite?

Of my books, the second one is probably my favourite (The Girl Next Door). It’s set in Essex, in a small village where I used to live, about a teenage girl found dead in a field of buttercups at the back of the community hall. I love the couple at the heart of it, and although it’s not my biggest seller, it’s the one I always want more people to read.


How do you find time to write when you also have a busy publishing job?

I tend to write in big chunks at weekends rather than every day. I am quite a fast writer when I get going, so if I can clear a free Saturday for example I can really try to focus and get a lot down at once. You do need a lot of drive and determination to do both, though, as my day job is very absorbing and is always my priority. 


What is a typical day like for you?

I work full time at Hodder, so a typical day involves a lot of meetings! I manage a commercial fiction team so my time is spent catching up with them, attending acquisitions meetings, cover art meetings, production meetings etc in-house, and also working with my existing list of writers (I have about 20 at the moment). I edit their novels and send notes to them, and brief their jackets, and liaise with our marketing and publicity teams on their campaigns. I also read submissions from agents, but this is usually done outside the 9-5! My own writing is reserved for weekends. In my spare time I also run, kickbox, and am part of a drama group.


What are the best, and worst, things about your job?

The best thing is seeing new books reach readers, and being the first to read amazing manuscripts. It is a lot of reading, but I always remind myself that it is also an incredible privilege. If I had told my younger self that I would get to read for a living, I’m not sure I’d have believed her! Conversely, the worst thing is having to disappoint writers – not being able to get a book through acquisitions, or not achieving strong sales, and it’s also the inability to read for fun any more! I basically only read for fun on holiday…

Who are your favourite authors? What books should we keep a look out for?

I love Liane Moriarty, Maggie O’Farrell, Jennifer Close, Louise Candlish, Lorrie Moore, Katherine Heiny, Abigail Dean (who I published at HarperCollins) and Cara Hunter (ditto). I am sure there are tons more too! This year, do keep an eye out for upcoming thrillers on the Hodder list, Julie Tudor Is Not A Psychopath (a hilarious thriller about an office worker who is convinced she’s in love with her younger colleague) and Party of Liars (think Big Little Lies meets du Maurier’s Rebecca…)


What advice would you give writers to have a long career?

Keep writing! It is a long game, and the road can be bumpy. I know authors who have had huge success followed by years of low sales, and vice versa, but it can all change overnight sometimes and the key is to keep writing what you love, keep taking advice, keep plugging away and remember to be proud of yourself, too.


How has the publishing industry changed?

It’s changed a lot even in the decade I’ve been in it – we’ve seen some retailers rise and fall (e.g. the supermarkets) and some genres come in and out of fashion (e.g. romantasy). Reading habits have shifted due to the cost of living crisis, the explosion of subscription boxes, and the boom of audio (thanks in some part to Spotify) and part of my job is to stay alert to that data and what it tells us, and work out how we can continue to provide readers with what they want.


What’s next?

For me, I am writing book six this year which is something a little bit different that I am very excited about. And I’m always hunting for new authors for my list at Hodder. Genre wise, SFF and romance are dominating the charts, but there’s always going to be room for a bit of crime, too…

Phoebe Morgan’s books are available here.

There is a New Literary Hotspot And it’s in Scotland.

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Is there something in the water? I think so. My birthplace, Lanarkshire has produced an impressive number of authors. From Shuggie Bain author Douglas Stuart, and won the Booker Prize, and Elissa Soave, author of Ginger and Me. Elissa sets her books in Lanarkshire. Her brilliant, new, novel, Graffiti Girls, is set in Hamilton. It’s a fantastic book.

Lanarkshire is a historical county in Scotland that includes Glasgow and the surrounding areas. Lanarkshire is the heart of the central lowlands of Scotland. It’s a beautiful place with a lot of culture and music.

Former Guardian journalist, Deborah Orr, who sadly died in twenty nineteen, wrote her acclaimed memoir, Motherwell. It is all about the industrial town she grew up in. The book was a huge hit. I also note that Andrew O’Hagan, author of Sunday Times bestseller, Caledonian Road (set in London) and three times Booker Prize nominee was born in Glasgow. 

I grew up in the Scottish Borders and moved back to Lanarkshire as a teen. I spent a lot of my youth in Glasgow, Motherwell, and Strathclyde Park. Lanarkshire is a literary hotspot, churning out fantastic writers. Here is a short list: Val McDermid, Ian Rankin, Niall Ferguson, Liz Lochhead, Alasdair Gray, Damian Barr, Graeme Armstrong and Julie Kennedy.

Then there is me. Catherine Yardley, author of Ember and Where The Light is Hottest. Who also writes as Catherine Balavage. Where The Light is Hottest is partly set in Lanarkshire. The county may be cold, but it’s having its time in the sun. I have lived in London most of my adult life and consider myself a Londoner now, but a part of my heart will always belong to Lanarkshire. My family still live there and I visit. I can’t wait for the next author for Lanarkshire to publish their work.

Where The Light is Hottest is available now in paperback, ebook and kindle unlimited.

Do you have filtered skincare? Anti-Pollution Skincare

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I live in London and I worry about the effect pollution can have on my skin. Some filters and creams I have used can be too harsh. I also worry about indoor pollution. But what to do?

Pollution can significantly affect the skin, leading to both short-term and long-term damage. Pollution can derive from vehicle emissions, urban pollution (cities), factory emissions (when we order new items for the home), cigarette smoke, household chemicals and UV radiation.

Exposure to pollutants like particulate matter (PM) and UV radiation can accelerate skin aging due to increased oxidative stress, which damages collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging. 

Pollution can trigger inflammation, leading to conditions like eczema, acne, or rosacea. Pollutants can also irritate sensitive skin, leading to redness and itching. Pollutants such as car exhaust or industrial smoke can increase the production of melanin in the skin, resulting in dark spots or uneven skin tone. The accumulation of dirt and pollutants on the skin’s surface can clog pores and hinder cell turnover, making the skin appear dull, tired, or lackluster. Pollutants like dirt, dust, and chemicals can clog pores and trigger the production of excess sebum (oil), leading to acne and breakouts. Pollution can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to dehydration, dry patches, and overall lack of skin vitality.

Anti-Pollution Skincare SOS.

Teoxane Deep Repair Balm, £34.45, facethefuture.co.uk

A moisturing balm that hydrates and soothes damaged and delicate skin. Teoxane Deep Repair Balm contains resilient hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and arnica to soothe and calm redness. The intensive treatment may also reduce inflammation or irritation caused by weather conditions. The hydrating formula helps to heal damaged cells and repair the natural barrier of the skin, leaving you feeling more comfortable with a balanced, even complexion. Deep Repair Balm is best suited to dry, sensitive, or irritated skin types and will also help to support skin recovery following a procedure.

  • Benefits of Teoxane Deep Repair Balm:
  • Provides intense hydration.
  • Soothes and reduces redness.
  • Helps to repair a damaged skin barrier.
  • Contains resilient hyaluronic acid.
  • Perfect for dry and sensitive skin types.

The Rise of The Mid-Life Influencer

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Nina Ambrose, 54 @RantsAndBigPants charges £1,800 for an Instagram reel and story

It’s not just the young ones who are doing well on social media. While everyone on TikTok can seem young, midl-life influencers are making their mark and earning big. Kolsquare releases new report – From Mixtapes to TikTok, Why Gen X is the Dark Horse of Influencer Marketing
 
According to leading influencer marketing platform Kolsquare, Gen X (born between 1966 and 1980) is reshaping the social media landscape as the 45+ age group embraces platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Facebook with a growing number carving out second careers as mid-life influencers aka mid-fluencers.
 
On TikTok, the 45+ demographic is the platform’s fastest-growing audience segment, currently at 17.6% and growing (in the US they make up 27%). A third of all 45+ social media users follow influencers, and many are gaining huge audiences and attracting younger followers.
 
“We are seeing a growing number of 40 to 50-something influencers gaining huge traction,” says Katy Link, Head of Brand for Kolsquare. “There’s an army of mid-lifers who started their accounts as a side hustle and are seeing them burgeon and become profitable. There are also growing numbers of mid-lifers starting businesses and using social media to promote them.”
 
It’s not just women of a certain age who are conquering social media, male mid-lifers are talking about their passions too. Ben Hamilton Anderson (@the_gardenerben) has 40,400 followers on Instagram where he shares his passion for gardening. 78% of his audience are male and 31% are between 45 and 64.
 
Facebook loyalists
 
More than a third (33.4%) of Instagram’s global users are 45+ but Gen X are Facebook loyalists who want entertainment while seeking informative and creative content.
 

  • 61% of Gen X have been on Facebook for more than 10 years, although their engagement is declining (as is the case for all age groups) and there is a shift from sharing photos and updates towards passive scrolling. 20% of the platform’s global users are 45+.
  • 73% of 45+  Brits log into Facebook daily and only 5% say they’ve never had a Facebook account
  • 34% of 45+ Facebook users participate in groups and communities

Engagement on Facebook is declining and midlifers are moving to other platforms, globally  –

  • 31% of YouTube users are 45+
  • 17.6% of Instagram users are 45+
  • 26% of Facebook users are 45+
  • 17.6% of TikTok users are 45+ 

Reaching Gen X

Targeting Gen X with influencer marketing campaigns requires an understanding of who they are –  a generation raised with print and traditional TV who want high-quality information, i.e. substance over style.

“As a group, they want more than novelty, they are after content that adds value, whether that’s how to navigate their menopause, fitness tips, cooking, etc,” says Kolsquare’s Katy Link.

Big names like John Lewis, Fantasie and The White Stuff have started to invest heavily in Gen X-focused campaigns. 

Lingerie brand Fantasie is on a mission to change how brands portray Gen X women. They used Nina Ambrose (@rantsandbigpants – see case study below) whose March 2025 racked up an earned media value of £10,752. They also used Mega-influencer and feminist author Tova Leigh (@mythoughtsaboutstuff) who has 1.3m followers on Facebook. Most of her Fantasie posts earned more than 500 likes and one reel got 158,000 plays.

“Gen X has spending power,” says Katy. “Brands like Fantasie that are tapping into this and speaking authentically to mid-life women, are reaping the benefits.”

Social media habits

Gen X spends an hour less per day on social media than Millennials and Gen Z, although their time spent online is the same as other age groups. Their top three reasons for using social media are –

  1. To connect with friends
  2. Get up to speed on the news
  3. Fill spare time

The only difference between them and 25 – 44-year-olds is that they rank filling spare time ahead of keeping up with the news.